Success - whose definition costs? A co-designed framework by and for young people leaving care.  Commissioned by Become the report was undertaken by the Reese Centre over four years with a group of 13 care-experienced young people forming a design group to help shape the research.

Foreword from the Future of Care Design Group

Why this study is important to us

This project tackles an important but complex topic: how to define ‘success’ for care leavers in a way that is meaningful for us, as well as useful to national and local government. Too often, the benchmarks chosen by professionals are limited to statistics. While these are important, they overlook what matters to us, whether that’s feeling safe, being valued or being supported. This study is important as it shifts that narrative. Professionals sometimes attach labels to us, but these labels don’t reflect everything about us as people. Also, if our social worker sees us as ‘troubled teenager’, or a teacher congratulates us on our grades as being ‘brilliant ... for someone in care’ that can knock us back and limit what we become.

Our experiences of taking part

This project has taken four years. In a way, it has been the most constant aspect of our lives, lasting longer than most placements! We’ve learned from each other and it’s been inspiring to share honesty and insights through the Design Group. Participation has made us feel part of something bigger and given us the confidence to challenge assumptions. In reflecting on our earlier experiences, we can recognise our own growth and resilience and have been able to share our success with others. We have felt consulted and heard. Even if nothing else changes, that has been worthwhile.

What we want readers to take forward

We want a shift from an approach that mainly serves professionals, to one that centres young people’s voices. Please check and recheck language and meaning, so everyone can understand. We want professionals to recognise that success is not ‘one size fits all’ and to stop making assumptions based on only parts of our lives. If we are struggling in one part of our lives, this isn’t necessarily the whole story. Please see us as whole people: in daily interactions, in planning services, and in measuring success.

Back